A tired-looking ski jacket is usually a dirty or under-proofed one, not a worn-out one! We see plenty of jackets written off as past it that just need a proper wash and reproof, so before you spend on a new one, it's worth ruling this out first.
Why does ski outerwear need reproofing?
It's not a fault, it's just how the fabric works over time.
- Waterproofing wears off with use and washing
- Reproofing restores the water-repellent finish so rain and snow bead off rather than soak in
- Skipping it means jackets feel damp and heavy long before they're actually worn out
How do I clean a ski jacket properly?
This is where most damage actually happens, not out on the mountain.
- Use a technical wash, not standard detergent, which clogs the waterproof membrane
- Avoid fabric softener, it breaks down the coating
- Follow the care label for wash temperature, most technical fabrics want a cool wash
How often should I reproof my kit?
There's an easy way to tell rather than guessing.
- Roughly once a season for regular use, sooner if water's stopped beading on the fabric
- A quick splash test tells you if it needs doing, if water soaks in rather than beading, it's time
Can I reproof at home?
Yes, and it's simpler than people expect.
- Yes, spray-on and wash-in reproofing treatments both work well if applied properly
- We stock technical wash and reproofing products in store if you're not sure where to start
Get in touch if you're not sure whether your jacket needs washing, reproofing or replacing, we're happy to take a look!